Ericsson, together with Apple and MediaTek, is advancing 6G ecosystem development through joint demonstrations at Mobile World Congress 2026 that highlight spectrum-sharing technologies and early prototype systems. The collaborations aim to ensure interoperability between networks, devices, and chipsets while preparing service providers for a gradual transition from 5G to 6G. Showcases include Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing for efficient coexistence of 5G and 6G and centimeter-wave connectivity designed to support AI-driven and extended reality applications, marking an important step toward expected commercial 6G readiness around 2030.
STOCKHOLM, 23-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Ericsson is intensifying its push toward 6G development by expanding collaboration with key technology partners Apple and MediaTek, aiming to accelerate ecosystem readiness for the next generation of mobile connectivity. At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the companies will present live demonstrations showcasing early innovations in spectrum use and prototype systems designed to support future 6G capabilities.
The joint efforts reflect an ecosystem-driven strategy to define, validate, and scale technologies that will underpin 6G networks. By aligning infrastructure, devices, and chipsets early in the development cycle, the partners are working to ensure interoperability and smooth adoption for communications service providers as the industry transitions beyond 5G.
One of the demonstrations, conducted with Apple, focuses on Multi-RAT Spectrum Sharing (MRSS), a technology designed to allow 5G and future 6G services to operate simultaneously within the same frequency bands. The approach is intended to enable a gradual migration path, reducing operational complexity while maximizing spectrum efficiency. The proof-of-concept setup links separate 5G and simulated 6G systems through an Ericsson base station operating in mid-band Time Division Duplex spectrum to validate real-time performance.
In collaboration with MediaTek, Ericsson will also showcase how centimeter-wave spectrum could support high-capacity, low-latency connectivity required by emerging applications such as AI-enhanced extended reality and other data-intensive services. The demonstration integrates Ericsson’s radio access network with a MediaTek prototype device platform, illustrating an end-to-end connection up to the IP layer.
A key feature being explored is contention-based buffer status reporting, a concept aimed at significantly lowering latency in dense environments—an important requirement for scaling immersive and AI-driven applications.
These initiatives build on the foundation established by 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced technologies while aligning with global 3GPP and O-RAN frameworks that are expected to shape open, programmable network architectures. Initial implementable 6G specifications are anticipated toward the end of the decade, with commercial deployments projected around 2030.
Through early validation of technical concepts and cross-industry partnerships, Ericsson and its collaborators are laying the groundwork for scalable 6G infrastructure, enabling service providers to evolve networks efficiently while unlocking new opportunities tied to artificial intelligence and next-generation digital experiences.
Source : news.europawire.eu
